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For the Non-Knitters

One of the big challenges of the bike rally is the fundraising. Thanks to peculiar and wonderful characteristics of knitters, our little family team has done very, very well in this regard. (Thank you very much, a thousand times, thank you.) For the kids, this fundraising can be really, really tricky. When you’re young, most of the people you know are young, and the young are notoriously poor. (Or, they are as poor as their parents let them be, which is, in this family, pretty poor. We think poverty supports a work ethic in the young.) The girls have done their level best to fundraise, knowing (because we have told them) that they are responsible to do the best they can – no matter what. Recently, Sam took this message to heart.

She and I were in a yarn shop, and Sam was behaving the way most teenaged girls do when they’re asked to take part in their mother’s activities, which is to say that mostly, she was rolling her eyes, sighing loudly and tolerating me in only the minimum way necessary. I was picking yarn for Flow and Lizette, and I was saying things like "Do you like the brick? Maybe the green.. is this a good green?" and Sam was saying things like "The brick is fine. The green is great. Get it and let’s go" and I wasn’t being rushed. (My reasoning is that I didn’t rush weaning her, and she can not rush me in a yarn shop as compensation.) I was puttering along, and she wandered off. I picked my yarn, and then scurried around to find her.

Find her I did, standing in front of a stand of novelty yarn. She was fingering a few interesting scarves, and she had that look about her. Sometimes there are people who ask me if my kids knit. The answer is that all of them know how (they are my girls, after all) but that only one of them knits for fun, and that would be Megan. Amanda and Sam only knit to please me, or to score points. Sam spins from time to time, and Amanda knits when she thinks it would improve our relationship, but never before have I seen Samantha stand in front of yarn and look at it like it might be fun. That’s what I saw that day. Novelty yarns can be a gateway drug for some recalcitrant knitters, and that’s what I saw in Sam’s face. That if knitting was socks, and hats and sweaters – she wasn’t interested, but if knitting was all this fun stuff? She ran her hands down several ruffle scarves.

"Is this knitting?" she asked. "Yup" I replied, being careful not to display enthusiasm. (Enthusiasm only puts teens off. They can’t know you’re in favour of their ideas. Takes the shine right off it.) "Could I do it?" She queried. "Yup" I said, again, appearing disinterested in every way. "If I got this, could I knit it into a scarf for a Rally fundraiser?" "You bet" I said, and I took a slow, deep breath. Caution was needed here. If Sam sensed that I approved, then all could be lost. I decided to apply maternal reverse pressure. "It’s pretty expensive yarn." I said, "I don’t know if I can buy that for you." That worked. There is nothing more delicious to the psyche of a teenaged girl than the idea of driving their parents into the poorhouse, and me shying from a pricetag made the genesis of the idea take flight within her. "Please?" she said. "I suppose." I said, and my heart leapt, but I covered it. We travelled home, and Sam asked for needles, and for information on how to knit this ruffle yarn. I didn’t help her. I did loan her needles, but I suggested that she look the rest of the info up on the internet. (You don’t want to get in a girls business like that. Better to let her own it.) She did look it up, and I promptly looked the other way, resisting the urge to be helpful in any way. (This is a hard thing about mothering for me.)

"Mum, how many stitches do I cast on?" "I don’t know Sam. You decide." "Mum, should I use it all? How long is long enough?""I don’t know Sam. You decide."

She did decide, and lo. The child has knit. The end product is a beautiful long scarf, out of the spectacular gateway yarn of her choice, and Sam’s offering it up here for anyone who wants it – preference given to those who can’t make it themselves. It has all the frustration, glee and delight that an 18 year old committed to fundraising can put into it, and here’s how the fundraiser will work (according to Sam.) If you want it, you can email me at stephanieATyarnharlotDOTca (replacing the AT with @ and the DOT with .) and tell me how much you would like to pay for it. The highest bidder wins, and I’ll email that person and tell them they’re in. That person will then make a donation for that amount to Sam’s fundraising page, and Sam will pack up the scarf, and mail it to that person. (That look is "Blue Steel" in case there’s any Zoolander fans out there. Sam’s career as a model is still developing.)

I’ll be the one looking at the amounts and making the call, because Sam’s a kid, and really just practicing knitting, and the amount non-knitters (or maybe knitters) think her work is worth should maybe, probably be something that her Mum knows, and not totally her. (Experienced knitters know we’re undervalued as artists, but maybe not the new kids.)

I’m feeling proud of her tonight. It’s hard to fundraise as a kid, and really, how do we even talk about the awesome that is a teenager looking out for others? This is supposed to be the most self-centred time of her life… the time she has the most difficulty seeing the needs of others, and if this is what being a teen looks like on her? Taking part in a 660km rally for the People with AIDS foundation? She’s going to be amazing.

Bid away. Feel free to leave comments about the compelling nature of her work, but all bids for the scarf should come in email. (StephanieATyarnharlotDOTca)

129 thoughts on “For the Non-Knitters”

I’m much more of a sock and sweater knitter; that novelty yarn frustrates the heck out of me. That said, I admire Sam’s creativity and the beautiful scarf – and the persistance that kept her working with that tricky stuff!
Beautiful girl, gorgeous scarf!
Good luck with your fundraising. I’m sure you’ll get loads of bids.

As the mother of 2 preteens I stare in awe of anyone on the other side who has come out battle hardened yet still in love with their children. If I can raise 2 girls with compassion and determination I will have done my job well. I may need lots of bandages (wine) for the battle scars but that’s ok.
Well done Sam. Well done Sam’s mum.

Wow, I can see why any teen (and a large majority of young-at-heart adults like me) would be attracted to that yarn! What a show-stopping scarf! It looks like the animals and plants that grow in a tidal pool or on a reef.

Novelty yarn was my gateway drug. My mom started knitting when she was pregnant with me, and naturally wanted to pass on the skill. I learned, but resisted all attempts to indoctrinate me. My mantra was “My Mommy can make it if I want it”. Then… at about age 23, the furry novelty scarves were in full swing. I knit a couple. Then moved on to afghans incorperating some novelty yarns, and maybe a felted hedgehog or two.. I’m now 32 and have 24 pattern of my own design on ravelry…. most of them lacework and Mom and I have an indie yarn company. My Mom couldn’t be more smug… though she tries to hide it.

I love it! She did a great job and I hope it raises a ridiculous amount of $$!
(seriously, I am a fair isle and cables and traditional with bells on knitter, who hates novelty yarn, and I am actually tempted to make one like that.)

Oh, you are the Yoda of moms of teens. The Force is strong in you. Love the idea of making them be patient because of all those hours nursing and not hurrying weaning. (Been there, done that, wish I could go back some days.) Excellent scarf, Sam. I’m with woolcat in my avoidance of novelty yarn but that’s tempting. Is it soft? That’d be the tipping point for me.

Well done, well done indeed. The scarf is nice and jazzy, quite stylish.
For those of us who would like to donate in support of this burgeoning knitter, but aren’t the high bidder, perhaps Sam could write up her pattern and offer it for sale with all proceeds going to the cause?

it looks like something that grew in the magic forest for the fairies to make party dresses. how pretty, and what an awesome undertaking for Sam…well done.
and Steph…..you were so right, no sudden moves.

I love this, my oldest is my 14 yo daughter and man do need to just file away all these for future reference. that’s awesome that you were able to hold back and not squee with excitement that she wanted yarn, and then you were still able to reel yourself in when she asked for help! that’s the hardest part for me – keeping my own business. way to go mom! and what a spectacular girl you have raised. now I’m off to try to track down some of that yarn, never tried it before but now I think I have to get some.

That’s incredible! not only that she’s already doing the ride, but she wants to do something like this to raise money? Surely have her write up the pattern for us, and see what happens… (I’ve already donated)

Beautiful scarf, and very impressive for a more-or-less beginner. That should raise a nice piece of change for the Rally.
I have to say, though, that teenagers who go to a lot of trouble for others are not that hard to find. Most churches are dripping with them. Kids can be selfish, but they can also be incredibly self-giving.

Since I could knit myself a scarf, I left Sam the following message on her pledge page “I just sent you $20(US) because you knit a lovely scarf and made you mum very happy … but please don’t hold it against her”

Good to know Blue Steel is ready, that was many long years in the making!!
Love the yarn, love the scarf, and although I’m out of work, the kids and I will be cheering your family pack on during the ride.

HAH! I had to laugh! I just played out the same scene in a store in Ireland with my older dd who can crochet, but swears she can’t knit. And it was indeed the Ruffle Scarf that drew her in… No, I don’t have the time or desire to knit that yarn for you. You can do it, it’s only 7 stitches. And she did. With a vengeance. She’s now made like 5 of those scarves. I’m just having a hard time finding that yarn in the States.

OK, this has put me totally over the edge. I love the scarf but could knit it myself so I’m not bidding – but I can no longer resist going over to the site and making a donation – in spite of all my unusual expenses this year. I can’t really afford much but, in the tradition of knitting and fundraising, I know my little stitch will join with all the others for a wonderful finished product. Sam, great job – the idea and the execution of it. Stephanie – good job on the mothering front.

I’m also in the not-usually-a-novelty-yarn-fan club, but Sam has absolutely created a winner. Good on her. Quite frankly, I think either (or perhaps both) the yarn manufacturer and LYS should donate to her as well, since she’s doing for this novelty yarn what no amount of static print ads could ever do. 😉
Leave it to her to pick the best gateway yarn drug of the bunch. 🙂

Sam did a LOVELY job on that! And if I hadn’t already contributed to Erin’s ride, I’d bid on that, because my son’s girlfriend would love it.
Any way the yarn store would put that up for additional donations? I mean, just a sign and asking for bids?

Sam, your scarf is awesome! If I were not also a broke twenty-something I’d place a bid. And your Blue Steel is excellent….maybe after this ride you could use it to raise money for the School for Kids Who Can’t Read Good And Wanna Learn To Do Other Stuff Good, Too. (Oh, Zoolander…)

DANG, Sam! Novelty yarn knitting always leaves me in awe. I’ve been working on a scarf out of this stuff called Tokyo for a while. I had seen a finished scarf hanging up in my LYS and thought it had that “post-apocolyptic my clothes are beautiful rags” thing that I LOVE and never knew how to classify until your mom posted about it with her stainless steel and wool sweater… I totally forget the name. Anyhow, you’ve inspired me to yank it out of my project graveyard and give it another go. ^_^ Good job!

BLUE STEEL!! Oh sh$#, soon it will be MAGNUM, so watch out. ohmygawd my stomach is hurting from laughing. And such precious wisdom as my firecracker of a daughter approaches her teens. Carefully and steadily, approach the teen with caution. Do not startle the teen. Do not look into its eyes…

“resisting the urge to be helpful in any way. (This is a hard thing about mothering for me.)”
This. This is the hardest thing for me about being a mother, and it’s imperative for my 19yo son. I’ve been working on it for 5+ years now – will I ever get it?

Novelty yarn is what lured me back to knitting! I am now knitting socks and baby things and shawls and all sorts of wonderful items that involve lace and cables and even fair isle. Never underestimate the power of the novelty yarn. 🙂

Although she used a novelty yarn, she used a pretty good-looking one! Much better than some radioactive-green fun fur. . . .
And please pass this along to Sam for the next fund-raiser: A simple, yet elegant, scarf (something appropriate for most teens and adults of both genders) in a rich navy or dark, warm red, using a cashmere or silk blend, might bring a good bit more than a novelty yarn. Watch for yarn sales to get the most bang for your buck and time!

I note the riders keep raising their fundraising goals. Just when you all reach 100%, up they go again! You and your supporters have raised a whack of money for a very worthy cause. I am not a knitter so have made a bid for the scarf. I would love to earn it, but if someone bids higher, it means the cause gets more. But I would be sad so I have my fingers crossed. Trish

I always turn up my nose at novelty yarn, but I have to admit that that is very cute! And maybe if I made one for my 16 year old niece, she might even wear it. What kind of yarn is it? (And good luck with your auction, Sam!)

I’ve been tempted to buy that yarn a few times (or ones like it) over the past few years, but I keep putting it aside. It just doesn’t look as fun to knit as wool socks.
That said, I’ll probably put in a bid and send the email, because while I could knit it, I won’t knit it and that is good enough for me!

I can knit with some novelty yarns. The thick-and-thin stuff, the eyelash stuff, fun fur and the like. But I can not wrap my head around trying to knit with that ruffle-netting yarn. I just don’t get it. I’m thinking that now I’ll have to try sometime, that scarf does look really great.

My 11 year old great granddaughter could not “get” crochet but when she saw me, my daughter, and my grandddaughter knitting, she wanted to try. After one week, she was knitting a lace scarf. She got the ruffle yarn and in a matter of 2 weeks, made and sold enough scarves to buy her own I-phone. Do you have any idea what those things cost?

“My reasoning is that I didn’t rush weaning her, and she can not rush me in a yarn shop as compensation.”
I never realized my young adult children owed me so much time and patience and not rushing. Thank you, Stephanie, for this line of reasoning.

As the mother of a once-teenage daughter (now 42!!), I had to take a moment and laugh/cry at the perfect explaination of the interaction between you too, and the words in your head you were able to filter out before they popped out of your mouth! Amazing job Sam – love the colors! Great job Steph – one day the words she is ignoring from you will come out of her mouth to her kids and you can cheer quite loudly!!!!

I have waited 1 day and 12 hours to ask my son how his job interview went. Don’t want him to think I am too interested in him moving from his current job to a “mom approved” job. I think tonight I will be able to ask without him being too suspicious.

Congratulations and Sam, welcome to knittersworld.No matter if you never knit again, you gave comitted yurself to knitting for a good purpose. YH, congratulations on your two important bringing up children lessons, teaching them workethics and teaching them patience. I am ever so often surprised how little children (and older ones too) are getting their way by just playing the impatience trick. How will they react in 20 years time when their superior tells, them they are due for more money in a years time, not just now. Will they throw a tantrum or just walk out never to come back again. Some children do not know the meaning of no and just wait a little. Also, telling them why in short sentences instead of long grownup arguments/discussions works well, I foud out late too. Maybe people shpould have dogs or cats before having children, you tell animals what to do, you do not argument with them and you certainly make sure they know what not to do. And on your tweet about the reason for gu + ns, you are so right, maybe everyone who is for freedom to own g+ u+ns should suffer at least two shotwounds to think over again their decision. Maybe they think they are meant for defending, they are not, they are for hurting in bad ways.

As a mom nursing a two-year-old and working on baby lead weaning, I’m totally using that argument on her when she is a teenager and I drag her to a yarn store. She did, however, take a skein of buffalo/bamboo yarn and hold it to her cheek and shout “I love yarn!” the other day so there may be hope yet.

That is so lovely Sam!! Knitting scarves is something I love to do and do alot – since I don’t know how to knit socks and sweaters. I could knit scarves from here until Sunday, and still never run out of patterns! Knitting with novelty yarn like this one you used drives me up a wall… But yours is sooo pretty that I’m thinking I’m going to get some the next time I go shopping and try my hand at it again!
Linda in VA

I don’t like most novelty yarn, but I really like that ruffle yarn.When I was working at a booth at Stitches this winter, the volunteers took turns knitting scarves out of the stuff, and it sold like hotcakes.

You are right. Poverty does inspire a work ethic. My kids are both Go-getters and have worked hard to get where they are today. I am really proud of them. That yarn is really tricky. I helped a friend figure out the directions, and it took us a while. Of course, we are old……

Congratulations to Sam for coming up with a great fundraising idea, implementing it, persevering and completing it, and then convincing someone (her Mum) to help publicize it to maximum potential audience! Would love to hear how much Sam raises though her awesome project!

Love the scarf Sam! As a mother of a daughter who knows how to knit but ” why should I knit Mom, you make me everything I want and you love knitting”. Im hoping one day my daughter will love knitting as much as I love knitting.

if there were a “Like” button on this post, I would click it twice! 🙂 I’ve already previously pledged a small amount on Sam’s page, so I will bow out of the opportunity to win the “Karma Charmer” scarf. But I am sure whoever wins it will be showered with goodness and light in their life..

Maybe you could talk to a knitting store or two that could offer the yarn and pattern in a kit and donate some of the proceeds? Bonus points of you can get one in Canada and one in the US to help with keeping shipping costs reasonable.

Sam is absolutely beautiful, and her scarf is amazing!!! I’m a total knitter, so I can’t bid on it, but I would if it was open to knitters (I actually wouldn’t knit something like that myself, but it would look so coolio when I go to the beach…)
Anyway, Sam, you are the most awesome teenager I’ve ever “met” and Stephanie, you are the most awesome parent. I hope tons of money is bid on this scarf, and if not, let me know and I’ll make up the difference. Too much awesomeness to not raise a ton of cash for AIDS. Rock on!

It’s so great when you see the 18 or so of years you’ve spent teaching your kids the importance of greater community come together with their own moral compass. I am as proud of Sam as if she were my own!
Amazing scarf and I love her ‘blue steele’ pose. I think Zoolander is a incredibly funny movie.

That new yarn is this decade’s version of the fun fur yarn that got so many knitting and crocheting in the 90’s and 2000’s. No one can resist it!
Great job (although now you’ve given away your secrets!).
You guys are going to rock this ride.

Sam I knew you had it in you kiddo
Well done
Once you set your mind to something there is NO stopping you – the scarf is amazing – beautiful work…. I will be seeing you in less than a week and can hardly wait …..I am so proud of you and of your entire team.. I will be placing a bid today
hugs
Aunt Yvonne

Oh I love that ruffle yarn. It is like crack for a knitter. In about 2 hours you have something beautiful and fun. I do knit socks, shawls, and long projects but there is something nice when you can start a project, sit through a movie and have a finished product by the end.
Good job Meg! And great choice in ruffle yarn.

I’m not so keen on that ruffle yarn scarf pattern, perhaps due to the fact that apparently every other knitter in Ottawa has made perhaps 10 of them and given them away to all & sundry. However, I admire the spirit and the directed action and will therefore head over to Sam’s page and make a donation.

I need to try this disinterested approach with my nieces. Act like I don’t care. Shrug my shoulders, pretend knitting is kind of a drag. Sigh, when asked how many stitches to cast on. BUT if any of them asks for help (dropped stitches, ripping back) do it in a heartbeat….cuz you don’t want family to abandon a project. It COULD potentially kill enthusiasm. Finish the project for nieces if you must (and I will for three pajama pants started by three nieces. ‘Cuz I’m a cool, loving aunt).

gorgeous scarf. I am frightened of novelty stuff and my two daughters, 12 and 16 only knit intermittently. I keep bring them to the shop in hopes. Maybe novelty yarn is where it will start. I hope it brought you lots of moolah.